Bally’s Corporation has announced a generous donation of $5 million to the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) to establish a new education program in the fields of hospitality, gaming, and security. This initiative comes shortly after the state of Rhode Island legalized iGaming, with Bally’s actively supporting this legislation.
The programs offered by CCRI will cover a wide range of subjects, including casino operations, dealer training, slot machine technology, cybersecurity, and iGaming operations. iGaming, which allows players over the age of 21 to engage in remote gaming at existing gaming tables using computers and mobile applications, is expected to generate approximately $38 million annually for the state budget.
In addition to these courses, CCRI students will also have the opportunity to participate in hotel management and culinary arts classes. All the new programs are set to be available to students starting in the fall of 2024. The goal of this partnership between Bally’s and CCRI is to create a skilled workforce that meets the requirements of existing job positions, especially those within Bally’s.
The announcement of the $5 million donation was made at a press conference on the CCRI campus, attended by Governor Dan McKee, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, and Acting President of CCRI Rosemary Costigan. Governor McKee emphasized the importance of this donation, calling it the largest gift in CCRI’s history. He expressed his commitment to improving education and increasing the earnings of Rhode Island residents, seeing this partnership as a significant step towards achieving these goals.
Former CCRI President Meghan Hughes spoke about the significance of this collaboration, highlighting the financial challenges faced by community colleges and the need for support from private entities like Bally’s. Rosemary Costigan, Acting President of CCRI, stated that the new programs were developed through the joint efforts of Bally’s and CCRI. She also mentioned the possibility of creating simulated classroom environments to prepare students for careers in the hospitality and entertainment industry.
Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally’s Corporation, described the donation as an investment in staff development. He emphasized the growing demand for skilled workers in the hospitality, gaming, and recreation industry, as well as the need to bridge this gap. Kim expressed enthusiasm for the partnership between Bally’s and CCRI, stating that it is a mutually beneficial endeavor.
This donation from Bally’s to CCRI marks an important milestone in the college’s history, demonstrating the commitment of both organizations to advancing education and creating opportunities for students in Rhode Island.
